Rise to the Occasion (a Daniel Radcliffe Fanfic)

Chapter 4

I wondered how they knew each other, since when and why she'd never mentioned it. I'd never heard about him before class the other day. I didn't know what to make of the new information but I decided to keep it quiet for now. Slowly, I shut my laptop, sinking back into my chair. I got up and went into the bathroom down the hall. I undressed myself and turned the hot water on in the shower, letting it drench me. What if she set me up on purpose? What's the point of all this? I wish the shower head wasn't so small. I lathered my hair and rinsed the shampoo out, letting the bubbles and residue fall along with my mixed thoughts and crazy assumptions. I stepped out and slipped into my royal blue robe along with the matching slippers. I washed my face, brushed my teeth and switched off the light.

I padded back to my room and put on my pajamas: a long t-shirt and thermal socks. I picked my cell phone back up and checked the time. 11:26. I opened emails and updated twitter, the same old routine. I began to feel drowsy and put it down to charge on my desk. Suddenly, I heard the front door of the apartment open, and a few moments after, creak shut. Footsteps approached my room, and seemed to pause in front of my door, then continue. I heard a shuffling in Eva's room and whispers floating through the walls. "It's not here. Check Andreas room" said a male voice. " I already did!" A voice that was eerily familiar protested."Shh, we can't let them hear us" he argued, "This'll never work" "shut up and grab- " a thud was heard. "Shit". I tensed under my sheets, scared for some reason that they would hear me awake. I had no idea who the two were, although the deeper voice sounded similar to a classmate in International Relations, named Thane Lachman. We'd exchanged glances here and there and awkward small talk when we passed each other on campus, but we've never had a full conversation. He was charming and had an air of mystery and arrogance that was reflected in his constant sneers and scoffs. I called Eva, wondering where she was.
Immediately after I heard her ringtone echo throughout the apartment, indicating it was in the foyer.
"Shhhh" a female voice said, presumably Eva's, cutting of the obnoxious ringing. I flipped off my covers and jogged to my door. Something was off. Why was she sneaking around in her own apartment? I tiptoed towards the front entrance, switching the main light on, illuminating the stairs and living room. Eva's long blonde hair shined in the light and she jumped at the sudden change in lighting. She had been leaning back in our favorite beanbag, facing a bodied man on the couch, who had his back to me. She rubbed her eyes and signaled to the man, who turned to face me.
"Uh, Ali, this is Thane", She introduced.
He shook my hand, acting as if we'd just meat.
"Pleasure", he smiled, with the same mystery in his eyes he always had.
"Oh, it's all mine" I responded sarcastically, firmly shaking his hand.
"We were just leaving," intervened Eva, cutting our smirking at each other short, "So if you'll excuse us."
I sidestepped, clearing their way for the front door. On her way out, she squeezed my hand and offered and apologetic smile, glancing at Thane. I returned her look with an understanding one, waving them goodbye. I watched them close the door behind them, and I dragged myself back to my room. I sighed as I plopped myself on my fluffy bed, shutting my eyes and finally dozing off.

I woke up the next day at 12, knowing I had a class an IR class at 2. I was not looking forward to running into Thane after our unusual encounter last night. I ate lunch/breakfast calmly on the barstools of my modern kitchen. Pancakes had never tasted so good for some reason, and I quickly downed 4 before heading back to my room to change. I slipped into some gray jeans, a white and teal striped sweater, with some strappy sandals. It was Autumn in New York, and the leaves were just changing color, signifying the beginning of 6 cold months. The sandals were a risk, so I grabbed my trusty leather jacket. I quickly brushed my teeth and raked a brush trough my nest of a head. I headed out the door, with my book bag slung over my shoulder, which included my laptop and headphones, basically the only things I need.
Since everyone was out, I walked two blocks towards my nearest bus stop. Living in an apartment in New York included a busy commute. The subway was too intimidating, and I had an uneasy feeling about it. The bus was my last option, and it was great because after my stop, it went straight to the college, making for a quick ride.
When I got off the packed bus along with a couple other students, I went over to the east wing to class. I was still 20 minutes early until the lesson started, so I pulled out a story I had been writing in a small, hardback notebook with intricate gold etching on the cover of bohemian-esque patterns including elephants. A few minutes after I began writing, I felt breathing in my ear and hot breath down my spine.
"Whatcha got there, cutie?"
Turning around, a smiling Daniel was behind me, and I rolled my eyes and said,
"None of your business... Cupcake", I said with a smirk.
He slapped his hand to his chest, and tried to sound offended.
"How dare you use my charming sarcasm on me!" He began to chuckle, and it looked as though he wanted to pat himself on the back for that one.
"You're so full of it, Dan", I responded, chuckling and turning back to my notebook. I heard a snort from behind me but didn't bother turning around. I just prayed that this was the only other class I would have with him, and that further encounters were avoided at all costs. After class ended, I quickly collected my few belongings and sped walked through the lecture hall door. I heard Daniel call my name after I walked straight past him. I slowed my walking to a moderate pace, but not stopping to wait for him. I let him catch up, and he smiled at me.
"Hey" he said, biting his lip happily.
"Bye" I tossed my hair over my shoulder as sassy as I could, flashing him a split second smile, indicating I was trying my hardest to hold my patience. I began to speed walk again but he grabbed my hand.
"Wait up, Aliyah. Let's talk", he said, with a hopeful look in his eyes.
I sighed, "Fine."